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The BossHoss
The BossHoss
The BossHoss
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The BossHoss is a German band from Berlin, founded in 2004. They originally started with country and western style cover versions of famous pop, rock and hip hop songs, for example "Hot in Herre" by Nelly, "Toxic" by Britney Spears and "Hey Ya!" by Outkast. They incorporate stereotypical American cowboy behavior into their act; they wear Stetson hats, tank tops and large sunglasses, and display whiskey bottles.[citation needed] The band refers to their music style as "Country Trash Punk Rock."[1]

Key Information

Band history

[edit]
The Boss Hoss in concert in Germany on 16 June 2007

The band was formed in 2004 in Berlin by Alec "Boss" Völkel, Sascha "Hoss" Vollmer and Michael Frick,[2][3] and named after the song "The Real BossHoss" by The Sonics. They were featured in the trendsetting music show Tracks (on French/German TV channel ARTE) and played live during the Kiel Week. In late 2004, they signed a record deal with Universal Music Domestic Division.

In 2005, they released their debut album Internashville Urban Hymns and signed a promotional contract with ice cream producer Langnese, for which they covered "Like Ice in the Sunshine", the theme song from a Langnese's TV spot. The band played about 180 concerts that year. In 2005, they adapted "Ca plane pour moi" from Belgian artist Plastic Bertrand.

In 2006, BossHoss provided the soundtrack for the football film FC Venus [de].[4] Release of the first single "I Say a Little Prayer" on April 28 and the second album "Rodeo Radio" on May 19. Half of that second album were their own songs, the other half cover versions. After they had released the second album, their first album rose into the charts again, sold 100,000 copies by the end of May 2006, and became a gold record in Germany.

Band members

[edit]
Part of the band in concert in Germany, 2016

Past members

[edit]
  • Michael Frick - double bass
  • Russ (Boris Kontorkowski) - electric guitar
  • Russ T. Nail (Dean Micetech) - electric guitar
  • Hank Doodle (Mathias Fauvet) - mandolin, washboard, harp

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Year Title Peak positions[5] Release date and sales
GER AUT SWI
2005 Internashville Urban Hymns 11
(29 We.) 		— — Released: 6 June 2005
Sales: 300,000+
2006 Rodeo Radio 6
(32 We.) 		40
(5 We.) 		83
(2 We.) 		Released: 2 June 2006
Sales: 200,000+
2007 Stallion Battalion 8
(43 We.) 		56
(5 We.) 		— Released: 9. November 2007
Sales: 100,000+
2009 Do or Die 4
(16 We.) 		38
(6 We.) 		32
(10 We.) 		Released: 3 July 2009
Sales: 100,000+
2010 Low Voltage 7
(5 We.) 		49
(1 We.) 		64
(1 We.) 		Released: 30 April 2010
2011 Liberty of Action 4
(72 We.) 		3
(59 We.) 		26
(31 We.) 		Released: 9 December 2011
Sales: 220,000+
2013 Flames of Fame 2
(26 We.) 		5
(13 We.) 		8
(17 We.) 		Released: 11 October 2013
Sales: 15,000+
2015 Dos Bros 1
(67 We.) 		1
(33 We.)[6] 		14
(34 We.) 		Released: 25 September 2015
Sales: 207,500+
2018 Black Is Beautiful 1
(13 We.) 		8
(5 We.) 		14
(4 We.) 		Released: 26 October 2018
2023 Electric Horsemen 7
(4 We.) 		26
(1 We.) 		17
(2 We.) 		Released: 5 May 2023
Others
  • Stallion Battalion live from Cologne (Released March 7, 2008) (Double-CD plus DVD)

Singles

[edit]
Year Title Peak positions[5] Release dates
GER AUT SWI
2005 Hey Ya!
Internashville Urban Hymns 		41 — — Released: 9 May 2005
Hot in Herre / Like Ice in the Sunshine
Internashville Urban Hymns 		83 — — Released: 25 July 2005
2006 I Say a Little Prayer
Rodeo Radio / Low Voltage 		66 — — Released: 12 May 2006
Ring Ring Ring
Rodeo Radio 		99 — — Released: 1 September 2006
Rodeo Radio
Rodeo Radio / Low Voltage 		93 — — Released: 29 December 2006
2007 Everything Counts / Truck ’n’ Roll Rules
Stallion Battalion 		67 — — Released: 15 June 2007
2009 Last Day (Do or Die) 78 — — Released: 19 June 2009
2011 Heroes/Helden
Die Highlights 		28 50 — Released: 24 November 2011
(with Nena, Xavier Naidoo and Rea Garvey)
Don't Gimme That
Liberty of Action 		8 1 49 Released: 25 November 2011
Sales: + 315,000
L.O.V.E.
Liberty of Action 		74 — — Released: 20 December 2011
(feat. Nena)
2011 My Country
Rammstein 		— — — Released: 11 November 2011
2012 Live It Up
Liberty of Action 		98 52 — Released: 8 August 2012
2013 Do It
Flames of Fame 		31 40 36 Released: 16 September 2013
2015 Dos Bros
Dos Bros 		33 72 — Released: 21 August 2015
Jolene
Dos Bros 		35 25 29 Released: 25 December 2015
(feat. The Common Linnets)
2019 Little Help 32 34 41 Released: 3 May 2019
(featuring Mimi & Josy)
2021 Burning Love — — — Released: 2 January 2021
(feat. OnklP)

Notes

DVDs

[edit]
  • Internashville Urban Hymns, die DVDs (2005; available only in Germany)

See also

[edit]

The 2930s

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

The BossHoss

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The BossHoss is a German country rock band formed in in 2004 by singers and guitarists Alec Völkel (also known as "Boss") and Sascha Vollmer (also known as "Hoss"). The duo, initially joined by musician Michael Frick and later expanding to a full band lineup including drummer Ansgar Freyberg and others, named themselves after the 1965 song "The Boss Hoss" by American garage rock band . The band gained prominence for their humorous and energetic reinterpretations of contemporary , and hip-hop hits in a traditional and western style, blending twangy guitars, banjos, and aesthetics with modern lyrics. Their debut EP, Internashville Urban Hymns (2005), featured covers like "T.N.T." by and "Hot Stuff" by , setting the tone for their early success. Over the years, The BossHoss transitioned toward original songwriting while maintaining their signature sound, releasing albums such as Rodeo Radio (2006), Stallion Battalion (2007), Do or Die (2009), Flames of Fame (2013), and Electric Horsemen (2023). With over 2 million albums sold worldwide, they have become one of Germany's most successful acts in the genre, earning acclaim for high-energy live performances and collaborations, including coaching roles on . In 2025, marking their 20th anniversary, The BossHoss released their eleventh studio album Back to the Boots on September 19, featuring 17 tracks that return to their roots with covers like Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" alongside originals, and a guest appearance by Arnold Schwarzenegger on the single "I'll Be Back," with proceeds supporting climate initiatives. The band continues to tour extensively, with a summer 2026 schedule across German festivals and venues, solidifying their enduring appeal in the international music scene.

History

Formation and early years

The BossHoss was founded in 2004 in , , by Alec Völkel (stage name Boss Burns), Sascha Vollmer (stage name Hoss Power), and Michael Frick, initially as a trio experimenting with country and western-style cover versions of , and hip-hop songs. The band's name derives from the song "Boss Hoss" by American garage rock group . Völkel and Vollmer, drawing from their backgrounds in other musical projects, assembled an initial lineup from friends and session musicians, including Ernesto Escobar de Tijuana (real name Tobias von Koch) on MC and rap duties, to create a humorous, high-energy fusion of genres. The group began performing in small venues, honing their irreverent stage presence and blending twangy country instrumentation with rock attitude, which quickly gained local despite the members balancing day jobs in the industry. In , they recorded and released their debut , Internashville Urban Hymns, on the small label Straight Music, featuring covers like OutKast's "Hey Ya!" reimagined in a . The achieved gold certification in , selling over 100,000 copies, a remarkable feat for an independent release. That same year, The BossHoss signed a promotional contract with German ice cream producer Langnese (now part of Unilever), which included adapting the company's jingle "Like Ice in the Sunshine" into a track on their debut album and featuring in TV and cinema ads. This deal boosted their visibility, leading to an intensive touring schedule of over 300 concerts across Germany and Europe in 2005 and 2006, often in clubs and festivals, where their theatrical cowboy personas and genre-mashing sets solidified their cult following. These early years marked the transition from a casual side project to a dedicated ensemble, setting the stage for broader commercial success.

Breakthrough and expansion

The release of the band's second album, Rodeo Radio, on May 19, 2006, marked a significant turning point in The BossHoss's career, blending covers of pop songs like "Word Up!" with emerging original material. This album propelled their debut Internashville Urban Hymns back into the German charts, where it ultimately achieved gold certification by selling over 100,000 copies by the end of May 2006. The success of Rodeo Radio itself peaked at number 6 on the German album charts, establishing the band as a commercial force in the country-rock genre and leading to increased visibility through sponsorship deals and extensive live performances. Building on this momentum, The BossHoss signed deeper integrations with Universal Music Domestic Division, which facilitated broader media exposure, including regular television appearances on German programs that showcased their energetic live style. In 2007, they released Stallion Battalion, further solidifying their sound with a mix of covers and originals, while internal dynamics evolved as the core duo of Boss Burns (Alec Völkel) and Hoss Power (Sascha Vollmer) expanded the lineup by incorporating permanent members including drummer Sir Frank Doe and bassist Guss Brooks, enhancing their stage presence for larger venues. By 2009, their third major release, Do or Die, expanded creatively with more original tracks and collaborations, peaking at number 4 on the German album charts and featuring hits like "Last Day" that highlighted their fusion of country twang and rock energy. During 2008–2010, The BossHoss undertook their first extensive international tours across , including summer festivals in , , and , where they built a dedicated fanbase. Their music began charting in and , with Rodeo Radio reaching number 83 on the Swiss albums chart, reflecting growing cross-border appeal. This period of expansion saw the band perform over 100 shows annually, transitioning from club gigs to arena-level productions while maintaining the core duo's songwriting and performance roles.

Recent activities

Following the release of their 2011 album Liberty of Action, The BossHoss continued to evolve their sound with Dos Bros in 2015, which blended country rock elements with energetic tracks like the title song, achieving platinum status in Germany. In 2018, Black Is Beautiful marked another milestone, topping the German charts and showcasing a maturation in their fusion of rock, country, and pop influences through originals and covers. These releases highlighted the band's growing emphasis on genre experimentation, moving beyond early covers toward more personal and thematic depth in songwriting. After Black Is Beautiful, The BossHoss entered a period of reduced activity, with no new studio album until Electric Horsemen in 2023, reflecting a hiatus influenced by lineup changes and external challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. Alec Völkel, one of the band's founders and core constant members, took primary leadership in steering this creative direction, maintaining the group's core identity amid transitions. The 2023 album further explored mature themes of resilience and road life, solidifying their European fanbase with consistent chart presence in Germany. The band's revival gained momentum in 2024–2025, culminating in the September 2025 release of Back to the Boots, their eleventh studio marking their 20th anniversary with 17 tracks, which debuted at number 2 on the German album charts, number 42 in , and number 79 in . This album emphasized themes of maturity, personal reflection, and bold genre experimentation, including covers like "On the Road Again" alongside originals addressing comeback narratives and environmental urgency. A key highlight was the lead single "," featuring and released in May 2025 as a anthem in partnership with the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative, with streaming proceeds supporting global environmental projects. Through these recent efforts, The BossHoss has sustained strong chart performance across and , with Back to the Boots underscoring the core duo's ongoing role in driving collaborations and initiatives that extend the band's influence beyond music into social causes.

Musical style

Genre fusion

The BossHoss self-describe their musical style as "Country Trash Punk Rock," a distinctive fusion that merges elements of , hip-hop, punk, and trash aesthetics. This blend draws inspiration from American Westerns and the gritty underground scene, where the band originated in 2004 amid the city's art-soaked music culture. Key influences include Johnny Cash's raw storytelling and the ' irreverent hip-hop energy, alongside German punk's rebellious edge and rock icons like , , and . The result is an "energetic and eclectic blend of rock’n’roll," often characterized in media as a high-octane "yee-haw on meth" sound that infuses cowboy rock’n’roll with an urban cowboy attitude. Central to their genre fusion are the unconventional instrument choices and vocal deliveries that bridge rustic and urban sounds. The band employs banjos and washboards for twangy, percussive flair, paired with electric guitars and to drive punk-inflected rock grooves, while harmonica adds bluesy texture. Vocally, they alternate between twangy, narrative drawls and rapid-fire rap verses, creating humorous yet potent reinterpretations that subvert expectations—such as transforming hip-hop tracks into foot-stomping anthems without relying on traditional tropes like sentimental ballads or steel guitars. This setup evokes the chaotic spirit of Berlin's underground clubs while nodding to Western film's mythic Americana, allowing the to perform in attire that amplifies their playful, larger-than-life persona. Over time, The BossHoss evolved from raw, humorous covers of pop and hip-hop hits—reimagining tracks like Nelly's "" or the ' "" in frantic country style—to more polished original fusions that incorporate , , calypso, and modern pop. Recent albums like Electric Horsemen (2023) and Back to the Boots (2025) continue this evolution, blending originals with covers such as Johnny Cash's "," maintaining their high-energy genre fusion. Early works emphasized novelty and live-wire energy, but later like Stallion Battalion (2007) deepened the punk-country synthesis, blending rootsy elements with aggressive riffs, while Liberty of Action (2011) marked their most diverse output, venturing into metal-tinged rock territory. Production choices prioritize capturing the band's unbridled live energy in studio recordings, fostering a sense of immediacy and rebellion encapsulated in their , “Don’t control my Rock’n’Roll!” This approach avoids polished Nashville conventions, opting instead for eclectic, high-impact arrangements that maintain the trashy, fun-loving core of their sound.

Covers and originals

The BossHoss gained initial recognition through their innovative covers of non-country hits, reimagining pop, rock, and hip-hop tracks in a country-western style to create an ironic and humorous contrast between the original's urban or electronic vibes and rustic instrumentation like banjos, fiddles, and twangy guitars. For instance, their debut album Internashville Urban Hymns (2005) featured adaptations such as Nelly's "Hot in Herre" and Britney Spears' "Toxic," transforming hip-hop and dance-pop into foot-stomping country anthems that highlighted the band's playful genre subversion. This approach extended to later performances, including a 2017 rendition of Michael Jackson's "Earth Song" on the German TV show Sing meinen Song, where the ballad's environmental themes were infused with energetic country flair. In their creative process, the band—primarily led by songwriter Sascha "Hoss Power" Vollmer—selects songs that align with their fusion aesthetic, making minimal changes to lyrics while overhauling the arrangement to emphasize humor, high energy, and live performance potential. Vollmer often composes in isolation before incorporating band input during recording, blending traditional country elements with rock and pop influences to maintain an "iconoclastic" and "testosterone-ridden" sound that amplifies the ironic twist of the covers. This method not only preserves the source material's essence but also injects a rowdy, theatrical energy suited for festivals and tours, contributing to viral moments like early YouTube clips of their performances that boosted their appeal in Europe. While covers dominated their early output, The BossHoss balanced this with original compositions, starting sparsely on the debut but expanding significantly in subsequent releases to reflect artistic maturation. The 2005 album contained few originals amid its cover-heavy tracklist, yet it peaked at No. 11 in and earned triple status, underscoring the covers' role in building popularity. By their second album in 2006, originals comprised about 50% of the content, and this proportion grew in the , with works like Liberty of Action (2011) featuring mostly self-penned tracks alongside select covers such as Nat Cole's "L.O.V.E." (as a duet with ). The band's originals, often drawing from punk-country roots, increased in later albums like Dos Bros Country & Western (2015), which included tracks such as "Burn Baby Burn," showcasing their evolution toward more personal songwriting while retaining the high-energy fusion. This shift in the marked artistic growth, as evidenced by hits like "Don't Gimme That" (2011), an original that sampled and topped charts in while achieving triple gold in , helping secure seven platinum and eight gold records overall. Covers initially drove festival bookings and TV exposure, such as their 2010 role on reaching over five million viewers, but the emphasis on originals solidified their longevity and chart dominance, with no album ranking worse than No. 7 in .

Band members

Current members

As of 2025, The BossHoss' lineup consists of seven members. The co-founders Alec Völkel ( Boss Burns), who serves as , washboard, and primary songwriter since the band's in 2004, and Sascha Vollmer ( Hoss Power), who contributes vocals, guitar, and is essential for live harmonies. The full current septet includes:
  • Boss Burns (Alec Völkel) – vocals, washboard
  • Hoss Power (Sascha Vollmer) – vocals, acoustic and electric guitars
  • Sir Frank Doe (Ansgar Freyberg) –
  • Hank Williamson (Malcolm Arison) – , washboard, ,
  • Guss Brooks (André Neumann) –
  • Ernesto Escobar de Tijuana (Tobias Fischer) – percussion
  • Russ T. Rocket – guitar
This configuration reflects the band's long-term stability, with the duo at the forefront of recent endeavors like the 2025 album Back to the Boots, where Völkel and Vollmer drove songwriting and production elements.

Past members

The BossHoss experienced several lineup changes in its early years, with founding bassist Michael Frick departing in 2007 after contributing to the band's initial country-rock sound on their debut album Rodeo Radio (2006) and follow-up Stallion Battalion (2007). Frick's exit, occurring shortly after the second release, was part of the group's expansion from a core trio to a larger ensemble, allowing for new instrumental dynamics without reported conflicts. Guitarist Boris Kontorowski, performing under the stage name , was an original member from 2004 to 2006, providing and supporting the high-energy covers that defined the band's breakthrough. His tenure aligned with the recording of Rodeo Radio, where he helped fuse rock and country elements, before leaving amicably to pursue other musical endeavors. Similarly, Mathias Fauvet ( ) served as an early on , washboard, and from 2004 to 2006, adding rhythmic texture to live performances and the debut album; his departure facilitated the integration of additional percussion and brass influences in subsequent recordings. Dean Micetich, known as Russ T. Nail, joined as guitarist around 2006 and remained through the 2007–2009 era, contributing to albums like Stallion Battalion and early tours that solidified the band's presence. He left circa 2010–2011, shifting toward session work and co-founding the motorcycle culture publication Magazine, in what was described as a smooth transition without creative disputes. These changes around 2010–2015, including some members moving to family commitments or side projects, refined the band's sound by emphasizing guitar-driven arrangements over initial rap-infused elements, while maintaining collaborative stability under core vocalists Alec Völkel and Sascha Vollmer. No major internal conflicts were reported, with exits generally amicable and enabling the group's growth into a consistent .

Discography

Studio albums

The BossHoss debuted with their self-produced album Internashville Urban Hymns on in 2005, marking their entry into the German music scene with a focus on trash-country covers of pop and rock hits. The album peaked at number 11 on the German charts and sold 300,000 units in . Their follow-up, Rodeo Radio, released in 2006 on the same label, continued the playful genre mash-up while achieving chart success, peaking at number 6 in . In 2007, Stallion Battalion expanded their sound with more energetic country-punk fusions, peaking at number 8 in and selling 200,000 units. The band's transition to began with Do or Die in 2009, which reached number 4 on the German charts and introduced greater emphasis on original compositions alongside covers. Low Voltage followed in 2010, peaking at number 7 and solidifying their major-label presence with polished production. Subsequent releases like Liberty of Action (2011, number 4 in ) and Flames of Fame (2013, number 2) maintained strong chart performance, blending rock influences with country roots; Flames of Fame sold 200,000 units in . Dos Bros (2015) marked a commercial peak at number 1 in and , with sales exceeding 200,000 units in . Black Is Beautiful (2018) reached number 1, showcasing evolved thematic depth in their genre fusion. The band's more recent works reflect a maturation in their sound, incorporating sophisticated rock and country elements. Electric Horsemen (2023, ) debuted at number 7 in , emphasizing electric instrumentation and collaborative tracks. Their eleventh studio , Back to the Boots (2025, ), entered at number 2 on the German charts, returning to core trash-country themes with refined production. Overall, the demonstrates a progression from indie-inspired covers to major-label originals, with total worldwide sales exceeding 2 million.
AlbumRelease DateLabelPeak Position (Germany)Certifications
Internashville Urban HymnsOctober 21, 2005Island Records112× Gold (300,000)
Rodeo RadioOctober 27, 2006Island Records6-
Stallion BattalionOctober 26, 2007Island Records8Platinum (200,000)
Do or DieJuly 3, 2009Universal/Island4-
Low VoltageApril 30, 2010Island Records7-
Liberty of ActionOctober 14, 2011Island Records4-
Flames of FameOctober 11, 2013Island Records2Platinum (200,000)
Dos BrosSeptember 25, 2015Island Records1Platinum (200,000+)
Black Is BeautifulOctober 26, 2018Island Records1Gold (150,000+)
Electric HorsemenMay 5, 2023Mercury/Universal7-
Back to the BootsSeptember 19, 2025Universal Music Group2-

Singles

The BossHoss released their debut single "Hey Ya!", a country-infused cover of OutKast's hit, on May 9, 2005, which peaked at number 41 on the German Singles Chart and spent nine weeks in the Top 100. This was followed by the double A-side " / Like Ice in the Sunshine" on July 25, 2005, blending covers of Nelly's track and a Langnese adaptation, reaching number 83 with three weeks on chart. These early digital and physical releases established their signature style of reinterpreting pop and hip-hop songs in a rodeo rock format, often tied to promotional EPs like Internashville Urban Hymns. Subsequent singles built on this foundation, with "I Say a Little Prayer" (May 12, 2006), a cover of Dionne Warwick's classic, charting at number 66 for nine weeks in . "Ring Ring Ring" (September 1, 2006) and "Rodeo Radio" (December 29, 2006), both maxi-singles available in format, entered the chart at numbers 99 and 93 respectively, each lasting two weeks. In 2007, "Everything Counts" peaked at 67 for four weeks, showcasing their cover in a standalone digital release.
Single TitleRelease DateGerman PeakWeeks on ChartNotes
Hey Ya!May 9, 2005419Cover of OutKast; digital/physical.
Hot in Herre / Like Ice in the SunshineJuly 25, 2005833Double A-side covers; promo EP tie-in.
I Say a Little PrayerMay 12, 2006669Dionne Warwick cover; CD maxi-single.
Ring Ring RingSeptember 1, 2006992Original-style track; CD single.
Rodeo RadioDecember 29, 2006932Album title track; CD maxi-single.
Everything CountsJune 15, 2007674Depeche Mode cover; digital.
Don't Gimme ThatNovember 25, 2011858Featuring The Tijuana Wonderbrass; highest-charting single.
Do ItSeptember 27, 20133116Original; digital single.
Jolene (feat. The Common Linnets)January 1, 20163522Dolly Parton cover; international release in Austria (peak 29).
Little Help (feat. Mimi & Josy)May 10, 2019325Original collaboration; digital.
Later releases shifted toward originals and collaborations, with "Don't Gimme That" (November 25, 2011) achieving their best performance at number 8 on the German chart, lasting 58 weeks and also charting in Austria (peak 10). "Do It" (September 27, 2013) reached 31 for 16 weeks, while "Dos Bros" (September 11, 2015) hit 33 for 12 weeks, both as digital singles promoting their albums. The 2016 cover "Jolene" featuring The Common Linnets peaked at 35 in Germany and 29 in Austria, released in physical and digital formats. In 2019, "Little Help" with The Voice Kids winners Mimi & Josy debuted at 32 for five weeks, emphasizing their family-friendly collaborations via digital platforms. More recent efforts include "YOU" with Ilse DeLange (February 2023), which charted at 53 in Germany for two weeks, and "Nice But No" featuring Electric Callboy (April 2023), a digital single blending their styles without Top 100 entry but gaining streaming traction. The band's 2025 single "" featuring , released May 30 as a digital download, supports with proceeds benefiting the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative; its promotional campaign included environmental messaging and a tied to the Back to the Boots album. This release highlights their evolution toward socially themed standalone tracks in digital format.

Video releases

The BossHoss have released several live video productions capturing their high-energy performances, primarily in DVD format, often bundled with audio CDs and tied to major album cycles. These releases showcase full concerts featuring their signature fusion of country, rock, and punk covers alongside original tracks, with notable inclusions of audience interactions and behind-the-scenes glimpses into their touring life. Their debut live video, Internashville Urban Hymns (2005), documents a Berlin concert from the promotion of their self-titled debut album, presenting a raw, energetic setlist dominated by covers like Dolly Parton's "Jolene" and OutKast's "Hey Ya!" reimagined in honky-tonk style, interspersed with fan chants and stage banter that highlight the band's early outlaw persona. Released by Island Records, the DVD includes over an hour of footage emphasizing their theatrical cowboy aesthetics and crowd engagement during intimate club settings. Following the success of their second album, Rodeo Radio (2007), came Stallion Battalion - Live From (2008), a recording of a sold-out show at the Gloria Theater, featuring explosive renditions of tracks such as "Monkey Business" and Jimi Hendrix's "Hey Joe," alongside acoustic segments like "." The production captures the band's dynamic stage presence, including horseback props and direct audience call-and-response moments, with bonus interviews providing making-of insights from the tour. Distributed by , it runs approximately 90 minutes and underscores their growing live reputation in . In 2013, Flames of Fame - Live Over Berlin was issued as a double DVD (also available in Blu-ray), documenting a high-stakes performance at the Max-Schmeling-Halle arena before 8,000 fans. The setlist blends hits like "Rodeo Radio" with punk-infused covers such as Tony Joe White's "," showcasing pyrotechnics, costume changes, and extended jams that foster communal sing-alongs. Additional features include multi-angle viewing options and a short documentary on the tour's production challenges, released via to critical acclaim for its quality. The most recent major video release, Dos Bros Live (2016), ties into the Dos Bros album cycle and captures a concert with a matured lineup delivering fan favorites like "Wait for Me" and covers of The Knack's "," emphasizing rhythmic guitar duels and heartfelt dedications to the audience. The DVD portion offers full concert footage plus behind-the-scenes clips of rehearsal sessions and travel vignettes from their truck tour, highlighting interpersonal band dynamics and preparation for large-scale shows. Published by Universal Music, it provides about 120 minutes of content, focusing on their evolution toward more polished yet raucous live spectacles.

Tours and performances

Early live shows

The BossHoss began their live performances in shortly after forming in 2004, starting with their debut appearance at the Bassy Cowboy Club, a venue known for its country and western theme. This initial gig marked the band's entry into the local scene, where they quickly followed up with their first larger concert in March 2004, performing energetic sets in cowboy attire that blended humor and high energy to captivate small audiences in clubs and at minor festivals across . These early outings helped cultivate a , as the band tested humorous country reinterpretations of pop and hip-hop tracks, drawing in crowds through their raw, theatrical style and inviting audience participation to create an interactive, party-like atmosphere. From 2005 to 2006, The BossHoss embarked on an intensive concert marathon, playing 182 shows in 2005 alone across , , , and the , which contributed to a cumulative total exceeding 300 performances by 2008. This period included promotional events tied to their cover of "Like Ice in the Sunshine" for the Langnese ice cream campaign, where they performed at branded tours and smaller venues starting in late , further boosting visibility among niche audiences. The band's raw punk-country energy shone through in these sets, characterized by fast-paced covers, witty banter, and full audience engagement, transforming modest club crowds into enthusiastic participants who embraced the humorous fusion of genres. Early challenges included navigating lineup changes, such as the departure of founding member Michael Frick in 2005, alongside the demands of rigorous touring that tested their ability to maintain high-energy delivery in front of initially small but growing audiences. Despite these hurdles, the band's persistent, costume-clad performances in intimate settings fostered a dedicated fanbase, evolving from local supporters to a broader regional following by the end of 2008 through consistent, unpolished live experiences that emphasized fun and communal spirit over polished production.

Major tours and festivals

Following the release of their 2007 Stallion Battalion, The BossHoss embarked on extensive European headline tours in 2009 and 2010, including the Low Voltage Tour, which featured over 50 performances across and neighboring countries, showcasing their evolving blend of country covers and originals in venues like Berlin's . These runs marked a professional escalation from earlier club gigs, with setlists emphasizing high-energy renditions of tracks like "Hey Ya!" and "Shake and Shout," drawing crowds to festivals such as in 2009. The band solidified their festival presence in the 2010s, headlining major events like Rock am Ring in 2011, 2013, and 2019 at the , where performances attracted tens of thousands amid lineups featuring acts like Metallica and . They also appeared at Rock im Park in 2011 and expanded internationally with a slot at Australia's Soundwave Festival in in 2014, marking their first significant engagement and introducing their sound to broader audiences. Setlists during this period evolved to incorporate more originals from albums like LowHangingFruits (2010), balancing fan-favorite covers with tracks such as "Do It" and "Rodeo Radio." In 2025, The BossHoss revived their club roots with the Back to the Boots Tour, a 20th-anniversary album release run emphasizing intimate venues across , including dates in on 3 July, Hamburg's 36 on 26 September, and Berlin's Astra on 27 September. The tour highlighted setlist innovations, weaving in the new single "I'll Be Back" featuring —a promotional collaboration for released in May—alongside staples like "On the Road Again," "," and "." while festival slots like in underscored their enduring draw.

References

  1. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc1yzccvZo1E8GdvRux2bkw/about
  2. https://www.last.fm/music/The%2BBossHoss/%2Bwiki
  3. https://www.discogs.com/artist/867029-The-BossHoss
  4. https://stefanlohmann.com/the-bosshoss-artist-information/?lang=en
  5. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/the-bosshoss/56155789
  6. https://www.spirit-of-rock.com/en/band/The_Bosshoss
  7. https://www.discovergermany.com/the-bosshoss-are-back-with-a-new-single-a-club-tour-and-a-very-special-guest/
  8. https://flyctory.com/2025/08/11/spotlight-saschavollmer-the-bosshoss-aug2025/
  9. https://flyctory.com/2025/09/17/the-bosshoss-back-to-the-boots/
  10. https://genius.com/albums/The-bosshoss/Back-to-the-boots/q/release-date
  11. https://www.thebosshoss.com/
  12. https://www.visit-mv.com/event-search/e-the-bosshoss-back-to-the-boots-summer-2026
  13. https://www.theaudiodb.com/artist/123005-The-BossHoss
  14. https://www.iheart.com/artist/the-bosshoss-30295187/
  15. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-bosshoss-mn0000904398
  16. https://music.apple.com/us/album/internashville-urban-hymns/1443743403
  17. https://www.allmusic.com/album/internashville-urban-hymns-mw0000525414
  18. https://top40-charts.com/artist.php?aid=13196
  19. https://www.aaemusic.com/artist/the-bosshoss
  20. https://hitparade.ch/album/The-Bosshoss/Let%27s-Go-Rodeo-Radio-35375
  21. https://www.countrymusicnews.de/biografien/295-the-bosshoss
  22. https://www.discogs.com/master/906169-The-BossHoss-Dos-Bros
  23. https://open.spotify.com/album/6jp0RzptUmL0yRDtxK7Lwk
  24. https://genius.com/artists/The-bosshoss/albums
  25. https://flyctory.com/2024/04/27/flyctory-com-songs-of-the-week-26th-april-2024/
  26. https://de.linkedin.com/in/alec-v%25C3%25B6lkel-b4b577149
  27. https://acharts.co/album/202614
  28. https://www.schwarzeneggerclimateinitiative.com/sci-news/the-bosshoss-arnold-schwarzenegger-ill-be-back-for-climate-action/
  29. https://open.spotify.com/track/5I3lLjn74gkTscrhSprPwF
  30. https://www.offiziellecharts.de/charts/titel-details-2565227
  31. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/achtung-cowpokes/article1353854/
  32. https://countrymusicnewsinternational.com/interview-bosshoss/
  33. https://www.loudersound.com/news/hot-new-band-the-bosshoss
  34. https://secondhandsongs.com/artist/19507/all
  35. https://www.vox.de/sendungen/sing-meinen-song/sing-meinen-song-2017-the-bosshoss-verabschieden-sich-mit-dem-earth-song-4134744
  36. https://www.last.fm/music/The+BossHoss/+wiki
  37. https://open.spotify.com/album/2iQTfdkR1rEOBr5p7tp7SO
  38. https://www.whosampled.com/The-BossHoss/
  39. https://www.alamy.com/dean-micetich-guitarist-of-german-country-rock-band-the-bosshoss-performs-on-the-main-stage-during-the-gampel-open-air-festival-in-gampel-switzerland-friday-aug-14-2009-ap-photokeystone-jean-christophe-bott-image538576976.html
  40. https://www.discogs.com/master/192209-BossHoss-Internashville-Urban-Hymns
  41. https://www.offiziellecharts.de/suche?suche=internashville+urban+hymns
  42. https://bestsellingalbums.org/album/46285
  43. https://www.discogs.com/master/897934-The-BossHoss-Rodeo-Radio
  44. https://www.offiziellecharts.de/charts/album/for-date-1163188793000
  45. https://www.discogs.com/master/384859-The-BossHoss-Stallion-Battalion
  46. https://www.offiziellecharts.de/charts/titel-details-1477664
  47. https://bestsellingalbums.org/album/46288
  48. https://www.discogs.com/master/1377569-The-BossHoss-Low-Voltage
  49. https://www.offiziellecharts.de/suche?suche=liberty+of+action
  50. https://bestsellingalbums.org/album/46284
  51. https://www.offiziellecharts.de/suche?artist_search=The+BossHoss
  52. https://www.discogs.com/master/1037928-The-BossHoss-Hey-Ya-
  53. https://mister-mixmania.com/de/charts_item/song-charts-wochen-the-bosshoss-and-ilse-delange-you/
  54. https://germancharts.de/showitem.asp?interpret=The+BossHoss+feat.+Arnold+Schwarzenegger&titel=I%27ll+Be+Back&cat=s
  55. https://www.discogs.com/release/6666744-BossHoss-Internashville-Urban-Hymns
  56. https://www.discogs.com/master/846639-The-BossHoss-Stallion-Battalion-Live-From-Cologne
  57. https://www.discogs.com/master/779714-The-BossHoss-Flames-Of-Fame-Live-Over-Berlin
  58. https://www.discogs.com/master/1749103-The-BossHoss-Dos-Bros-Live
  59. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nms27dQ7qc
  60. https://www.myticket.de/de/the-bosshoss-tickets
  61. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/the-bosshoss
  62. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkQ3CYBGb1Y
  63. https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/the-bosshoss-7bd65a90.html
  64. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyABwc9wyiI
  65. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-bosshoss/2019/nurburgring-nurburg-germany-39189af.html
  66. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clCVyc0iKa8
  67. https://www.setlist.fm/stats/the-bosshoss-7bd65a90.html
  68. https://www.facebook.com/thebosshoss/
  69. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-bosshoss/2025/astra-berlin-germany-b453522.html
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